Delhi, Oct 16: Talented top-order batsman Musaif Ajaz was at his murderous best in his spectacular 297 runs, smashing bowlers all around Jamia Milia Islamia ground, hitting 25 fours and 10 massive sixes in his 328-ball knock. The unfortunate opposition was formidable Delhi and a small number of lucky spectators were from Jammu and Kashmir, who enjoyed cheering each and every bit of his knock in the ongoing Men’s U-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy at Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi Complex, here today.
He completed his century with a big six and reached 150 with another massive hit out of the park. Solidity, sublimity, fluidity, elegance, radiance and brilliance was evident in his charismatic innings.
The knock was more special because J&K were toterring at 29/4 in their second essay after conceding 37-run first innings lead to Delhi.
Then Musaif and Arnav Gupta showed grit and guts and took the score to 311 runs, thus making a partnership of 287 runs, before Arnav was dismissed at his individual score of masterclass 98 runs off 216 balls with 8 fours and one six.
After Arnav’s dismissal, explosive Arya Thakur struck some fireworks in his power-packed knock of 66 off 58 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes, thus enabling J&K to make a huge total of 482/8 in 112.2 overs.
For Delhi, medium pacers Divij Mehra and Akhil Choudhary took 2 wickets each, while Rounak Waghela, Arpit Rana, Mayank Gussain and Priyansh Arya claimed one wicket each.
Earlier, J&K after electing to bat had scored 350 in their first innings with Qamran Iqbal scoring magnificent 147 runs and Musaif Ajaz (45), Arya Thakur (44) and Qazi Junaid emerging as other major contributors.
Rounak Wagela took 4 wickets for Delhi and Divij Mehra claimed three.
Dehi, in reply, scored 387 runs in their first innings. Mayank Gussain (89), skipper Hardik Sharma (83), Ayush Boseja (76) and Arpit Rana (55) were the main scorers.
For Jammu and Kashmir, spinners Vishal Kumar and Janib Javaid captured 4 wickets each, while Mujtaba Yousuf claimed one wicket.
